WALCC hosts engaging discussion on the future of our cities

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Published: 08 April 2016

On March 31st, the World Alliance for Low Carbon Cities gathered together a group of experts, from both private and public sectors, with interests in the development of the cities of the future. Inspired by the publication of a report for the recently completed city development research project Systemic Architectures for Sustainable Urban Innovation (SASUI), the Alliance gathered together these experts to engage in a far reaching discussion regarding the implications of the project’s findings and the development of new forms partnership in demanding urban development situations.

Participants at the workshop included city or regional representatives like Markku Markkula, a member of Espoo’s City Council and President of the European Committee of Regions; and Leena Vuotovesi, CEO of the municipality of Ii’s industry strategy and development organization Micropolis; and private companies, such as Janne Öfversten of WALCC member organization Kone.

The SASUI project’s findings, as presented by one of the SASUI project’s contributing researchers, Simo Syrman (Aalto University), led into presentations from Antti Paulanne, head of Schneider Electric’s healthcare segment, and Kari Mikkelä, of urban innovation support agency Urban Mill, who addressed different perspectives on the support major corporations and cities can support the development of new innovations, services, and companies.

The Alliance’s Vice-chairman Johan Wallin (Synocus Group) closed the afternoon with an acute assessment of the various ways in which the Alliance supports the complex ecosystems which bring together the expertise and experience of various private sector organizations in collaboratively advancing the goals of cities’ as they address the challenges posed by transforming to sustainable cities of the future.

Programs

A research project conducted by the Universities of Turku and Tampere which aims to form a new conceptual framework which will help shape the collective identity and common vision necessary to realize the future low-carbon and sustainability targets.

An action learning and research project conducted by Aalto University and the University of Tampere which aimed to form a better understanding of the architectural requirements for successful innovation projects.